Picture yourself in the Netherlands
Explore how the Netherlands leads in tackling issues like climate adaptation, circular economies, and environmental justice through longstanding commitments to renewable energy, water management, and land reclamation. Through immersive, firsthand learning, you’ll gain the tools, perspective, and agency to apply these global insights to sustainability work in Philadelphia and drive meaningful change.
Expand upon each of the links below to view more details about this program.
English
1 course, 3 credits
You will select one of the following:
This course will challenge you to think critically about one of the most pressing issues of our time: how we can meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability isn't just about the environment; it's also about social equity, economic viability, and the complex interconnections between human systems and natural systems. In this course, we'll examime questions that don't have easy answers: How do we balance economic development with environmental protection? What does environmental justice mean in practice? How can businesses, governments, and individuals drive meaningful change?
This work matters. There's a seat for you at this table, and your voice needs to be heard. The decisions we make now will determine the trajectory of our planet for decades to come. The goal of this course is to equip you with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and sense of agency you will need to be part of that conversation.
Located in Northwestern Europe along the North Sea, the Netherlands has a population of approximately 18 million people.
The Netherlands offers one of the most compelling real world laboratories for sustainability. The country has transformed environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation, developing advanced systems for flood
control, renewable energy, circular design, and sustainable agriculture. Dutch cities and research centers provide clear examples of how science, engineering, and policy can work together to build resilient communities.
The program takes place in Utrecht and Rotterdam, with a day excursion to Amsterdam.
Situated in the very center of the Netherlands, Utrecht is a vibrant university city with a population of approximately 378,000 residents. As the nation's fourth-largest city, it blends medieval history with a youthful, high-tech academic culture anchored by Utrecht University. The city is famous for its unique 12th-century split-level canals lined with wharf cellars, the majestic Dom Tower which stands as the tallest church tower in the country, and Utrecht Centraal, the busiest railway transport hub in the Netherlands.
Situated in the western Netherlands along the Nieuwe Maas River, Rotterdam is a dynamic metropolis with a municipal population of approximately 674,000 residents. As the nation’s second-largest city, it stands out globally as home to the Port of Rotterdam, which is Europe's largest seaport. After being nearly leveled by bombings during World War II, the city rejected traditional restoration and instead transformed itself into a canvas for daring, avant-garde architecture. Today, Rotterdam is famous for its striking skyscrapers, the iconic Erasmus Bridge, and its innovative approach to climate-resilient floating infrastructure.
Course Duration: January – mid-May (with required travel to the Netherlands in May)
Tentative Program Dates
| Spring 2027 | |
| Departure from U.S. | May 10 |
| Arrival in Amsterdam | May 11 |
| Orientation | May 11 |
| Last night in housing | May 17 |
| Program concludes | May 18 |
Do not use the above dates to book your flight, as they are tentative and subject to change. Accepted students will receive confirmed program dates and flight booking guidelines from Education Abroad before making travel plans.
Program participants are required to be present for the entire length of the program, from the official arrival date through the program end date.
Housing type: Hotel or Hostel
Basic hotel or hostel (shared, single-sex bedrooms) in Lima for the duration of the program. If you have documented accommodation with Disability Resources & Services for a single room, please contact Education Abroad when you apply for the program.
Throughout the program, you will participate in numerous required cultural activities and excursions designed to introduce you to Dutch approaches to climate adaptation, circular design, agricultural innovation, and water management - widely regarded as among the most sophisticated in the world.
Details are subject to change, but activities and excursions are likely to include:
Activities and excursions are subject to change.
Temple faculty members serve as the program directors overseeing the academic program and will serve as your point of contact for academic matters.
In addition to your program director, you will have support from our on-site partner.
Students will pay a non-refundable program deposit of $400 within 2 weeks of acceptance to the program. This non-refundable deposit is credited to your program fees as a prepayment.
Temple students pay their usual spring semester tuition and fees by school/college and residency.
All students pay:
For complete details about billable costs and estimates for non-billable expenses while abroad.
View detailed program costs.
Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
Staying healthy and safe abroad requires good planning and strong support. Review our health and safety page for important steps to prepare to study abroad, and details about international travel medical insurance and assistance provided by Temple.
Temple Global Seminars are open only to matriculated Temple University students.
You are eligible to apply if you meet the following requirements.
A copy of your passport will be required by the October 15 commitment deadline .Your passport cannot expire for at least 6 months after you return from your trip abroad.
You must be in good disciplinary standing at the time of application and remain so through the start of your travel abroad. Students who have been found responsible for a code of conduct violation and will not be in good disciplinary standing (including disciplinary probation) may submit a petition for review.
You are at least 18 years old at the time of application.
For the Global Seminar in the Netherlands, there are no additional eligibility requirements.
The standard application requirements pertain to all students applying to Temple programs.
For the Global Seminar in the Netherlands, applicants are asked to answer a short essay question (250 words) detailing their interest in the program.
Temple students may apply up to the standard application deadline. Application review will begin after the application deadline, not on a rolling admissions basis. After the application deadline, you should expect a decision within (2) weeks.
Don't miss your chance to study abroad!
